A child plays with the Taishun string puppet. [Photo/wzrb.com.cn]

The Taishun string puppet show, a traditional art form from Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, was performed in the United States as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations from Feb 3 to 11.

Five shows were performed at important venues like the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the Consulate General of China in New York, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, bringing joy and blessings to local audiences.

Taishun string puppet show is a popular form of traditional drama in Taishun county, Wenzhou, which originated in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) and reached its peak during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. It is unique in terms of its head carvings, character modeling, and costume design.

The themes of Taishun string puppet shows are rich, including traditional, modern, and children's dramas. In 2007, string puppetry was designated as a provincial intangible cultural heritage item, and in 2011, it was designated as a national intangible cultural heritage item.

The Taishun string puppet show was invited by the Zhejiang delegation of "Happy Chinese New Year", which is a foreign cultural exchange brand initiated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism with over 20 years of history, showcasing diverse activities and rich content.

"This journey to the US not only shares the rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship of Zhejiang but also demonstrates China's modernization and the fulfilling lives of its people. It underscores the need for innovation in our culture to resonate with contemporary audiences," said Ruan Jing, director of the Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Center.

A performance of the Taishun string puppet show. [Photo/wzrb.com.cn]